EP2368128B1 - Method for detecting an electric arc in photovoltaic equipment - Google Patents

Method for detecting an electric arc in photovoltaic equipment Download PDF

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Publication number
EP2368128B1
EP2368128B1 EP09793551.4A EP09793551A EP2368128B1 EP 2368128 B1 EP2368128 B1 EP 2368128B1 EP 09793551 A EP09793551 A EP 09793551A EP 2368128 B1 EP2368128 B1 EP 2368128B1
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EP
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Prior art keywords
electric arc
photovoltaic
photovoltaic device
signal
detection
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EP09793551.4A
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German (de)
French (fr)
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EP2368128A1 (en
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Nicolas Chaintreuil
Pierre Perichon
Sandrine Vallet
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Commissariat a lEnergie Atomique et aux Energies Alternatives CEA
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Commissariat a lEnergie Atomique CEA
Commissariat a lEnergie Atomique et aux Energies Alternatives CEA
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    • GPHYSICS
    • G01MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01RMEASURING ELECTRIC VARIABLES; MEASURING MAGNETIC VARIABLES
    • G01R31/00Arrangements for testing electric properties; Arrangements for locating electric faults; Arrangements for electrical testing characterised by what is being tested not provided for elsewhere
    • G01R31/12Testing dielectric strength or breakdown voltage ; Testing or monitoring effectiveness or level of insulation, e.g. of a cable or of an apparatus, for example using partial discharge measurements; Electrostatic testing
    • GPHYSICS
    • G01MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01RMEASURING ELECTRIC VARIABLES; MEASURING MAGNETIC VARIABLES
    • G01R31/00Arrangements for testing electric properties; Arrangements for locating electric faults; Arrangements for electrical testing characterised by what is being tested not provided for elsewhere
    • G01R31/12Testing dielectric strength or breakdown voltage ; Testing or monitoring effectiveness or level of insulation, e.g. of a cable or of an apparatus, for example using partial discharge measurements; Electrostatic testing
    • G01R31/1209Testing dielectric strength or breakdown voltage ; Testing or monitoring effectiveness or level of insulation, e.g. of a cable or of an apparatus, for example using partial discharge measurements; Electrostatic testing using acoustic measurements
    • GPHYSICS
    • G01MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01RMEASURING ELECTRIC VARIABLES; MEASURING MAGNETIC VARIABLES
    • G01R31/00Arrangements for testing electric properties; Arrangements for locating electric faults; Arrangements for electrical testing characterised by what is being tested not provided for elsewhere
    • G01R31/28Testing of electronic circuits, e.g. by signal tracer
    • HELECTRICITY
    • H01ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01LSEMICONDUCTOR DEVICES NOT COVERED BY CLASS H10
    • H01L31/00Semiconductor devices sensitive to infrared radiation, light, electromagnetic radiation of shorter wavelength or corpuscular radiation and specially adapted either for the conversion of the energy of such radiation into electrical energy or for the control of electrical energy by such radiation; Processes or apparatus specially adapted for the manufacture or treatment thereof or of parts thereof; Details thereof
    • H01L31/02Details
    • H01L31/02016Circuit arrangements of general character for the devices
    • H01L31/02019Circuit arrangements of general character for the devices for devices characterised by at least one potential jump barrier or surface barrier
    • H01L31/02021Circuit arrangements of general character for the devices for devices characterised by at least one potential jump barrier or surface barrier for solar cells
    • HELECTRICITY
    • H01ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01LSEMICONDUCTOR DEVICES NOT COVERED BY CLASS H10
    • H01L31/00Semiconductor devices sensitive to infrared radiation, light, electromagnetic radiation of shorter wavelength or corpuscular radiation and specially adapted either for the conversion of the energy of such radiation into electrical energy or for the control of electrical energy by such radiation; Processes or apparatus specially adapted for the manufacture or treatment thereof or of parts thereof; Details thereof
    • H01L31/04Semiconductor devices sensitive to infrared radiation, light, electromagnetic radiation of shorter wavelength or corpuscular radiation and specially adapted either for the conversion of the energy of such radiation into electrical energy or for the control of electrical energy by such radiation; Processes or apparatus specially adapted for the manufacture or treatment thereof or of parts thereof; Details thereof adapted as photovoltaic [PV] conversion devices
    • HELECTRICITY
    • H02GENERATION; CONVERSION OR DISTRIBUTION OF ELECTRIC POWER
    • H02HEMERGENCY PROTECTIVE CIRCUIT ARRANGEMENTS
    • H02H7/00Emergency protective circuit arrangements specially adapted for specific types of electric machines or apparatus or for sectionalised protection of cable or line systems, and effecting automatic switching in the event of an undesired change from normal working conditions
    • H02H7/20Emergency protective circuit arrangements specially adapted for specific types of electric machines or apparatus or for sectionalised protection of cable or line systems, and effecting automatic switching in the event of an undesired change from normal working conditions for electronic equipment
    • HELECTRICITY
    • H02GENERATION; CONVERSION OR DISTRIBUTION OF ELECTRIC POWER
    • H02HEMERGENCY PROTECTIVE CIRCUIT ARRANGEMENTS
    • H02H1/00Details of emergency protective circuit arrangements
    • H02H1/0007Details of emergency protective circuit arrangements concerning the detecting means
    • H02H1/0015Using arc detectors
    • YGENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y02TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
    • Y02EREDUCTION OF GREENHOUSE GAS [GHG] EMISSIONS, RELATED TO ENERGY GENERATION, TRANSMISSION OR DISTRIBUTION
    • Y02E10/00Energy generation through renewable energy sources
    • Y02E10/50Photovoltaic [PV] energy

Definitions

  • the invention relates to a method for detecting an electric arc in a photovoltaic system and to a method for the secure management of a photovoltaic system. It also relates to a photovoltaic module and a photovoltaic device equipped with a safety device against arcing.
  • Photovoltaic installations operate with high DC and DC voltage, which creates the risk of arcing. Such arcing may occur due to a handling error, for example if an operator inadvertently opens a connector in charge, or following degradation of the connections of the installation. These arcs generate a high plasma heat for a long time because under DC voltage, the value of the voltage is never zero, unlike an alternative system, and are therefore very dangerous for people and facilities.
  • the integration of photovoltaic modules in the roof of buildings may trigger fire in the framework of arcing.
  • Photovoltaic installations can be connected to the electricity grid via an inverter.
  • IP 01/63 809 discloses such a system.
  • these systems are insufficient since such an electric arc is likely to occur at a photovoltaic module itself.
  • US 2008/0147335 discloses an arcing detection system at a photovoltaic module.
  • a photovoltaic module is generally positioned in aggressive outdoor environments, subject to all climatic constraints, wind, rain, cold, hot. For all these reasons, the traditional solutions applied to copper electrical conductors are not applicable to the very specific and remote field of photovoltaic installations.
  • a general object of the invention is to provide a solution for detecting an electric arc in a photovoltaic installation, in order to improve the safety of such installations.
  • the invention seeks to achieve all or part of the following objects:
  • a first object of the invention is to provide a solution for detecting an electric arc occurring within a photovoltaic module.
  • a second object of the invention is to propose a solution for securing a photovoltaic installation in which an electric arc occurs, in particular by intervening very quickly in case of detection of an electric arc.
  • a third object of the invention is to provide a solution for facilitating the maintenance and repair of a photovoltaic installation having undergone an electric arc.
  • the invention also relates to a method for the secure management of a photovoltaic device, characterized in that it comprises a method of ultrasonic detection of an electric arc as described above, then comprising a step consisting of to open the electrical circuit of the photovoltaic device in case of detection of an electric arc, in order to extinguish the electric arc.
  • the management method may comprise an additional step of locating the electric arc in the photovoltaic device.
  • the method of secure management of a photovoltaic device may comprise a preliminary step of triggering the electric arc detection method only from the moment when the photovoltaic device exceeds a certain threshold of electrical production.
  • the invention also relates to a photovoltaic module characterized in that it comprises an ultrasonic sensor for the detection of arcing and a means of communication of this ultrasonic sensor to a processing unit.
  • the ultrasonic sensor for arcing detection is located on the frame or glass of the module.
  • the invention also relates to a photovoltaic device comprising photovoltaic modules mounted on one or more frames, characterized in that it comprises at least one ultrasonic sensor for the detection of electric arcs positioned on a photovoltaic module or on a chassis supporting a plurality of photovoltaic modules and in that it comprises a processing unit implementing the method of arcing detection described above.
  • the photovoltaic device may comprise at least one ultrasonic sensor for two photovoltaic modules.
  • the photovoltaic device may comprise a safety device whose function is to open the electric circuit in case of arcing detection, the photovoltaic device implementing the secure management method as described above.
  • the security device may be positioned on an output terminal of the photovoltaic module field of the photovoltaic device or directly on all or some of the photovoltaic modules.
  • the invention is based on the analysis of the ultrasonic signal emitted by an electric arc within the confined medium represented by a photovoltaic module and a field of photovoltaic modules, so as to detect and identify the acoustic signature of an electric arc.
  • the concept of the invention therefore consists of using one or more ultrasonic sensors positioned at a photovoltaic module, then defining a particular treatment of the measurements made by this sensor (s) to identify precisely the existence or not of an electric arc within a photovoltaic installation.
  • the figure 1 schematically represents a photovoltaic device according to an embodiment of the invention.
  • This device comprises two photovoltaic modules 2 mounted on a chassis 3, and connected to the traditional electrical network 5 via an inverter 4.
  • this device comprises an ultrasonic sensor 6 positioned at a module photovoltaic 2, connected by a communication link 7 to a signal processing unit 8 able to analyze the data transmitted by the sensor 6.
  • This processing unit 8 is itself connected by a communication means 9 to a security device 10 whose function is to open the electrical circuit at the request of the processing unit 8 in the event of an electric arc.
  • These different components of the photovoltaic device are supplied with energy directly by the photovoltaic modules.
  • the ultrasonic sensor 6 is optimally positioned to capture the acoustic waves of the photovoltaic device. It can for example be on the frame or on the glass, in the junction box of the module. Alternatively, it can also be placed on the frame 3 supporting the modules 2.
  • the processing unit 8 has the function of analyzing the data received by the ultrasonic sensor 6 and implements, by means of hardware and / or software, analogically or numerically, an electric arc detection method, which will be detailed below. This method makes it possible to recognize among the many data transmitted by the sensor, those that specifically correspond to the noise emitted by an electric arc, by recognizing the particular acoustic signature of such an electric arc.
  • this processing unit 8 may comprise several inputs and outputs, in particular an output to the inverter 4, and / or to another device for managing the photovoltaic device or energy management. It may also include a computing unit, such as a microcontroller, and storage means, for storing the predefined data corresponding to an electric arc.
  • the method of electric arc detection according to the invention will now be detailed. Firstly, according to a preliminary step E0, the method only goes into operating mode, that is to say of listening to ultrasound, that from the moment when the photovoltaic device exceeds a certain threshold of production, for example at least 10% of its nominal power. Below this threshold, the risk of arcing does not exist and does not require monitoring.
  • a certain threshold of production for example at least 10% of its nominal power.
  • the detection method according to the invention consists in measuring all or part of these parameters, to check whether they are in predefined and stored value ranges which correspond to the values of an electric arc.
  • the choice of parameters to be used among the three principals listed above represents a compromise between the desired accuracy for the recognition of electric arcs and the desired calculation time. If all the parameters are considered, the detection of electric arcs can reach a near zero error rate, the implementation of the calculation will however slightly longer, which will delay the intervention on the circuit. Likewise, the choice of the predefined value ranges for each of these parameters also represents a compromise between the search for the detection of a maximum of electric arcs while eliminating a maximum of situations coming from a another event, to avoid opening the circuit when there is no electric arc.
  • the detection method used thus makes it possible to recognize an electric arc, with a chosen error rate, among many other possible events also leading to the formation of acoustic waves.
  • This problem is very particular for a photovoltaic installation because of its external environment which generates many noises, but also because of its structure which is based on the positioning of its electrical circuits in confined environments, in specific materials, generally in glass .
  • the thermal expansion of a photovoltaic module generates noises in the form of cracks, which are also measured by the ultrasonic sensor and transmitted to the processing unit.
  • the figure 3 illustrates the wave measured during such an event.
  • the duration of the burst is generally greater than 25 ⁇ s.
  • the value of the rms voltage of the recorded signal remains constant, does not increase as in the case of an electric arc.
  • the other main noise encountered in a photovoltaic module comes from the rain, which generates a continuous noise far from the electric arc, with the exception of the first drops that can generate a thermal shock and expansion phenomena as mentioned above.
  • the safety device 10 may be either disposed on one of the terminals at the output of the photovoltaic field, or comprise a device for each photovoltaic module, for example in its junction box.
  • the processing unit 8 After detection of an electric arc, the processing unit 8 transmits the information and the order of opening of the electrical circuit to the safety device, which makes it possible to stop the electrical circulation and to stop the electric arc, thus eliminating the risk that would represent the maintenance of the electric arc, including the risk of fire.
  • This safety device may consist of a simple switch controlled remotely.
  • the figure 4 illustrates a photovoltaic device according to an alternative embodiment, which differs from the device described above in that it comprises eight photovoltaic modules 12 and four ultrasonic sensors 16.
  • the proportion of a sensor for two modules is retained and advantageous. However, any other proportion would also be possible without departing from the concept of the invention.
  • These different modules are mounted on a substrate 13, and electrically connected to the network 15 via an inverter 14.
  • the concept of the invention is also well suited to a photovoltaic installation that is not connected to the network 15, since it relies on local measurements at the module level PV.
  • the ultrasonic sensors 16 communicate via links 17 with a processing unit 18 which itself communicates via a link 19 with a security device 20. These latter components are similar to those described above.
  • This device operates in a manner similar to that described above and implements the method of electric arc detection and secure management of the photovoltaic installation that has been explained previously. According to an interesting characteristic, this device implements an additional function of locating an electric arc, which is advantageous for improving the maintenance and intervention operations in the event of failure, in particular for very extensive installations. Such a function can thus make it possible to increase the profitability and the rate of availability of the installation, which is important for example for an electric power station.
  • this device implements a management method that includes the additional step E6 of locating the origin of the electric arc in the installation.
  • This step is advantageously performed from the data of the moment of reception by each sensor of the electric arc signal, which depends on the propagation time of the wave from its location to the sensor and therefore gives an indication of its origin.
  • the figure 5 represents an example of implementation of this method.
  • the different photovoltaic modules of the installation which correspond to that of the figure 4 , have been referenced from 12a to 12h and the various sensors from 16a to 16d.
  • the first sensor receiving the acoustic electric arc wave is the referenced sensor 16a, then that the wave reaches in order the sensors 16b, 16c, 16d. Then the electric arc is necessarily on the photovoltaic module 12c.
  • the locating method has been given by way of illustration of the invention. Other methods are possible, taking into account, for example, the exact distances between the different modules and the sensors, in order to find, as a function of the propagation times of the signals, their distance of origin from each sensor, then their exact location.
  • the device may implement a last step E7 of transmitting the location information to the person in charge of the installation by a human-machine interface directly positioned at the level of the processing unit 18 for example, or by any other means. other means of communication, via the inverter 14 or a power management unit.
  • the concept of the invention is not limited to the photovoltaic devices described above but can be implemented in any kind of photovoltaic installation, with many photovoltaic modules and other ultrasonic sensor rates. However, the use of at least one sensor for two photovoltaic modules is advantageous.

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  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Power Engineering (AREA)
  • Computer Hardware Design (AREA)
  • Condensed Matter Physics & Semiconductors (AREA)
  • Electromagnetism (AREA)
  • Microelectronics & Electronic Packaging (AREA)
  • Sustainable Energy (AREA)
  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Sustainable Development (AREA)
  • Acoustics & Sound (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Photovoltaic Devices (AREA)
  • Investigating Or Analyzing Materials By The Use Of Ultrasonic Waves (AREA)
  • Testing Of Short-Circuits, Discontinuities, Leakage, Or Incorrect Line Connections (AREA)
  • Testing Relating To Insulation (AREA)

Description

L'invention concerne un procédé de détection d'un arc électrique dans un système photovoltaïque ainsi qu'un procédé de gestion sécurisée d'un système photovoltaïque. Elle concerne aussi un module photovoltaïque et un dispositif photovoltaïque équipés d'un dispositif de sécurité contre l'apparition d'arcs électriques.The invention relates to a method for detecting an electric arc in a photovoltaic system and to a method for the secure management of a photovoltaic system. It also relates to a photovoltaic module and a photovoltaic device equipped with a safety device against arcing.

Les installations photovoltaïques fonctionnent à tension continue et courant continu importants, ce qui engendre des risques d'apparition d'arcs électriques. De tels arcs électriques peuvent survenir suite à une erreur de manipulation, par exemple si un opérateur ouvre malencontreusement un connecteur en charge, ou suite à la dégradation des connexions de l'installation. Ces arcs électriques génèrent une forte chaleur de plasma pendant une durée importante puisque sous tension continue, la valeur de la tension n'est jamais nulle au contraire d'un système alternatif, et sont de ce fait très dangereux pour les personnes et les installations. De plus, l'intégration des modules photovoltaïques dans la toiture des bâtiments risque de déclencher l'incendie des charpentes en cas d'arc électrique.Photovoltaic installations operate with high DC and DC voltage, which creates the risk of arcing. Such arcing may occur due to a handling error, for example if an operator inadvertently opens a connector in charge, or following degradation of the connections of the installation. These arcs generate a high plasma heat for a long time because under DC voltage, the value of the voltage is never zero, unlike an alternative system, and are therefore very dangerous for people and facilities. In addition, the integration of photovoltaic modules in the roof of buildings may trigger fire in the framework of arcing.

Les installations photovoltaïques peuvent être reliées au réseau électrique par l'intermédiaire d'un onduleur. Dans une telle configuration, il existe des systèmes de sécurité permettant de détecter un éventuel arc électrique survenant sur la liaisons électrique entre un champ de modules photovoltaïques et l'onduleur. IP 01/63 809 divulgue un tel système. Toutefois, ces systèmes sont insuffisants puisqu'un tel arc électrique est susceptible de se produire au niveau d'un module photovoltaïque lui-même. US 2008/0147335 divulgue un système de détection d'arc électrique au niveau d'un module photovoltaïque.Photovoltaic installations can be connected to the electricity grid via an inverter. In such a configuration, there are security systems for detecting a possible electric arc occurring on the electrical connection between a field of photovoltaic modules and the inverter. IP 01/63 809 discloses such a system. However, these systems are insufficient since such an electric arc is likely to occur at a photovoltaic module itself. US 2008/0147335 discloses an arcing detection system at a photovoltaic module.

Il est connu du document FR2827675 la possibilité de détecter un arc électrique au sein d'un conducteur électrique rigide par l'ajout d'un capteur à ultrasons positionné sur ce conducteur pour mesurer l'onde sonore induite par l'arc électrique sur ce conducteur. Cette solution est adaptée à un conducteur métallique rigide d'un circuit électrique particulier et conventionnel. DE 3816047 divulgue un dispositif de détection, par des ondes acoustic, des arcs électriques dans un appareil isolé au gas ou d'isolant solid. Un module photovoltaïque comprend une structure très particulière confinée dans des matériaux protecteurs de type verre, dans laquelle les ondes de type ultrasons ne se comportent pas du tout comme dans le cas d'un simple conducteur en cuivre. De plus, un module photovoltaïque est en général positionné dans des environnements extérieurs agressifs, subissant toutes les contraintes climatiques, vent, pluie, froid, chaud. Pour toutes ces raisons, les solutions traditionnelles appliquées aux conducteurs électriques en cuivre ne sont pas applicables au domaine très spécifique et éloigné des installations photovoltaïques.It is known from the document FR2827675 the possibility of detecting an electric arc within a rigid electrical conductor by adding an ultrasonic sensor positioned on this conductor to measure the sound wave induced by the electric arc on this conductor. This solution is adapted to a rigid metal conductor of a particular and conventional electrical circuit. DE 3816047 discloses a detection device, by acoustic waves, electric arcs in a gas-insulated apparatus or solid insulator. A photovoltaic module comprises a very particular structure confined in glass-type protective materials, in which the ultrasonic-type waves do not behave at all as in the case of a single copper conductor. In addition, a photovoltaic module is generally positioned in aggressive outdoor environments, subject to all climatic constraints, wind, rain, cold, hot. For all these reasons, the traditional solutions applied to copper electrical conductors are not applicable to the very specific and remote field of photovoltaic installations.

Un problème technique supplémentaire se pose suite à un incident électrique de type arc électrique survenu dans une installation photovoltaïque, qui consiste à optimiser les opérations de maintenance et de réparation qui peuvent facilement s'avérer fastidieuses du fait du nombre élevé de modules équivalents et du fait de leur positionnement pas toujours facilement accessible dans une telle installation.An additional technical problem arises following an electric arc-like incident occurring in a photovoltaic installation, which consists in optimizing the maintenance and repair operations that can easily be tedious due to the large number of equivalent modules and the fact that their positioning is not always easily accessible in such an installation.

Ainsi, un objet général de l'invention est de proposer une solution de détection d'un arc électrique dans une installation photovoltaïque, afin d'améliorer la sécurité de telles installations.Thus, a general object of the invention is to provide a solution for detecting an electric arc in a photovoltaic installation, in order to improve the safety of such installations.

Plus précisément, l'invention cherche à atteindre tout ou partie des objets suivants :More specifically, the invention seeks to achieve all or part of the following objects:

Un premier objet de l'invention est de proposer une solution permettant de détecter un arc électrique survenant au sein même d'un module photovoltaïque.A first object of the invention is to provide a solution for detecting an electric arc occurring within a photovoltaic module.

Un second objet de l'invention est de proposer une solution permettant de sécuriser une installation photovoltaïque dans laquelle survient un arc électrique, notamment en intervenant très rapidement en cas de détection d'un arc électrique.A second object of the invention is to propose a solution for securing a photovoltaic installation in which an electric arc occurs, in particular by intervening very quickly in case of detection of an electric arc.

Un troisième objet de l'invention est de proposer une solution permettant de faciliter la maintenance et la réparation d'une installation photovoltaïque ayant subi un arc électrique.A third object of the invention is to provide a solution for facilitating the maintenance and repair of a photovoltaic installation having undergone an electric arc.

A cet effet, l'invention repose sur un procédé de détection par ultrasons d'un arc électrique dans un dispositif photovoltaïque, caractérisé en ce qu'il comprend les étapes suivantes :

  • Positionnement d'un capteur à ultrasons (6 ; 16) sur un module photovoltaïque (2 ; 12) ou sur un châssis (3 ; 13) supportant plusieurs modules photovoltaïques (2 ; 12) ;
  • Mesure d'au moins un paramètre d'un signal reçu par un capteur à ultrasons parmi l'amplitude du signal, la durée du signal, la fréquence centrale du signal ;
  • Comparaison de la mesure de ce au moins un paramètre du signal avec des valeurs prédéfinies pour déterminer si la mesure correspond à celle d'un arc électrique.
For this purpose, the invention is based on a method of ultrasonic detection of an electric arc in a photovoltaic device, characterized in that it comprises the following steps:
  • Positioning an ultrasonic sensor (6; 16) on a photovoltaic module (2; 12) or on a frame (3; 13) supporting a plurality of photovoltaic modules (2; 12);
  • Measuring at least one parameter of a signal received by an ultrasonic sensor from among the amplitude of the signal, the duration of the signal, the central frequency of the signal;
  • Comparing the measurement of this at least one parameter of the signal with predefined values to determine whether the measurement corresponds to that of an electric arc.

L'étape de comparaison de la mesure du au moins un paramètre avec des valeurs prédéfinies comprend les vérifications suivantes permettant de déterminer que le signal est bien généré par un arc électrique :

  • vérification si l'amplitude du signal reçu est supérieure ou égale à 40 dB ; et/ou
  • vérification si la durée du signal reçu est comprise entre 15 et 25 µs ; et/ou
  • vérification si la fréquence centrale du signal reçu est comprise entre 200 et 360 kHz.
The step of comparing the measurement of the at least one parameter with predefined values comprises the following verifications making it possible to determine that the signal is indeed generated by an electric arc:
  • checking whether the amplitude of the received signal is greater than or equal to 40 dB; and or
  • checking whether the duration of the received signal is between 15 and 25 μs; and or
  • checking whether the central frequency of the received signal is between 200 and 360 kHz.

Le procédé de détection par ultrasons d'un arc électrique peut en outre comprendre l'étape supplémentaire suivante permettant de déterminer que le signal est bien généré par un arc électrique :

  • vérification si la tension efficace du signal enregistré augmente, d'une première valeur comprise entre 5 et 15 dBEA, vers une seconde valeur comprise entre 15 et 25 dBEA.
The method of ultrasonic detection of an electric arc may further include the following additional step of determining that the signal is well generated by an electric arc:
  • checking whether the rms voltage of the recorded signal increases from a first value of between 5 and 15 dB EA to a second value of between 15 and 25 dB EA .

L'invention porte aussi sur un procédé de gestion sécurisée d'un dispositif photovoltaïque, caractérisé en ce qu'il comprend un procédé de détection par ultrasons d'un arc électrique tel que décrit précédemment, puis en ce qu'il comprend une étape consistant à ouvrir le circuit électrique du dispositif photovoltaïque en cas de détection d'un arc électrique, afin d'éteindre l'arc électrique.The invention also relates to a method for the secure management of a photovoltaic device, characterized in that it comprises a method of ultrasonic detection of an electric arc as described above, then comprising a step consisting of to open the electrical circuit of the photovoltaic device in case of detection of an electric arc, in order to extinguish the electric arc.

Le procédé peut mettre en oeuvre les étapes supplémentaires suivantes :

  • après ouverture du circuit électrique suite à la détection d'un arc électrique, remise en fonctionnement du dispositif photovoltaïque au moins une fois ;
  • s'il y a de nouveau la détection d'un arc électrique, arrêt du fonctionnement du dispositif photovoltaïque et transmission d'information de la défaillance du dispositif photovoltaïque.
The method can implement the following additional steps:
  • after opening of the electric circuit following the detection of an electric arc, restarting the photovoltaic device at least once;
  • if there is again the detection of an electric arc, stopping the operation of the photovoltaic device and transmission of information of the failure of the photovoltaic device.

Le procédé de gestion peut comprendre une étape supplémentaire de localisation de l'arc électrique dans le dispositif photovoltaïque.The management method may comprise an additional step of locating the electric arc in the photovoltaic device.

Cette étape de localisation de l'arc électrique dans le dispositif photovoltaïque peut comprendre les sous-étapes suivantes :

  • mémorisation des temps de réception du signal pour chacun des capteurs et classement de ces capteurs dans l'ordre de réception ;
  • détermination en fonction de l'ordre d'arrivée du signal sur chaque capteur de la localisation de l'arc électrique.
This step of locating the electric arc in the photovoltaic device may comprise the following substeps:
  • storing of the signal reception times for each of the sensors and classification of these sensors in the order of reception;
  • determination according to the order of arrival of the signal on each sensor of the location of the electric arc.

De plus, le procédé de gestion sécurisée d'un dispositif photovoltaïque peut comprendre une étape préliminaire de déclenchement du procédé de détection d'arc électrique qu'à partir du moment où le dispositif photovoltaïque dépasse un certain seuil de production électrique.In addition, the method of secure management of a photovoltaic device may comprise a preliminary step of triggering the electric arc detection method only from the moment when the photovoltaic device exceeds a certain threshold of electrical production.

L'invention porte aussi sur un module photovoltaïque caractérisé en ce qu'il comprend un capteur à ultrasons pour la détection des arcs électriques et un moyen de communication de ce capteur à ultrasons vers une unité de traitement.The invention also relates to a photovoltaic module characterized in that it comprises an ultrasonic sensor for the detection of arcing and a means of communication of this ultrasonic sensor to a processing unit.

Le capteur à ultrasons pour la détection des arcs électriques se trouve sur le cadre ou sur le verre du module.The ultrasonic sensor for arcing detection is located on the frame or glass of the module.

Enfin, l'invention porte aussi sur un dispositif photovoltaïque comprenant des modules photovoltaïques montés sur un ou plusieurs châssis, caractérisé en ce qu'il comprend au moins un capteur à ultrasons pour la détection des arcs électriques positionné sur un module photovoltaïque ou sur un châssis supportant plusieurs modules photovoltaïques et en ce qu'il comprend une unité de traitement mettant en oeuvre le procédé de détection des arcs électriques décrit précédemment.Finally, the invention also relates to a photovoltaic device comprising photovoltaic modules mounted on one or more frames, characterized in that it comprises at least one ultrasonic sensor for the detection of electric arcs positioned on a photovoltaic module or on a chassis supporting a plurality of photovoltaic modules and in that it comprises a processing unit implementing the method of arcing detection described above.

Le dispositif photovoltaïque peut comprendre au moins un capteur à ultrasons pour deux modules photovoltaïques.The photovoltaic device may comprise at least one ultrasonic sensor for two photovoltaic modules.

Le dispositif photovoltaïque peut comprendre un dispositif de sécurité dont la fonction est d'ouvrir le circuit électrique en cas de détection d'arc électrique, le dispositif photovoltaïque mettant en oeuvre le procédé de gestion sécurisée tel que décrit précédemment.The photovoltaic device may comprise a safety device whose function is to open the electric circuit in case of arcing detection, the photovoltaic device implementing the secure management method as described above.

Le dispositif de sécurité peut être positionné sur une borne de sortie du champ de modules photovoltaïques du dispositif photovoltaïque ou directement au niveau de tout ou partie des modules photovoltaïques.The security device may be positioned on an output terminal of the photovoltaic module field of the photovoltaic device or directly on all or some of the photovoltaic modules.

Ces objets, caractéristiques et avantages de la présente invention seront exposés en détail dans la description suivante d'un mode d'exécution particulier fait à titre non-limitatif en relation avec les figures jointes parmi lesquelles :

  • La figure 1 illustre schématiquement un dispositif photovoltaïque selon un mode d'exécution de l'invention.
  • La figure 2 représente une onde acoustique générée dans le dispositif photovoltaïque par un arc électrique.
  • La figure 3 représente une onde acoustique générée dans le dispositif photovoltaïque par la dilatation thermique d'un module photovoltaïque.
  • La figure 4 illustre schématiquement un dispositif photovoltaïque selon une variante d'exécution de l'invention.
  • La figure 5 reprend le schéma précédent pour illustrer la mise en oeuvre d'une étape du procédé de gestion sécurisée du dispositif photovoltaïque selon un mode d'exécution de l'invention.
These objects, features and advantages of the present invention will be set forth in detail in the following description of a particular embodiment made in a non-limiting manner in relation to the appended figures among which:
  • The figure 1 schematically illustrates a photovoltaic device according to an embodiment of the invention.
  • The figure 2 represents an acoustic wave generated in the photovoltaic device by an electric arc.
  • The figure 3 represents an acoustic wave generated in the photovoltaic device by the thermal expansion of a photovoltaic module.
  • The figure 4 schematically illustrates a photovoltaic device according to an alternative embodiment of the invention.
  • The figure 5 resumes the previous diagram to illustrate the implementation of a step of the method of secure management of the photovoltaic device according to an embodiment of the invention.

L'invention repose sur l'analyse du signal à ultrasons émis par un arc électrique au sein du milieu confiné représenté par un module photovoltaïque et un champ de modules photovoltaïques, de sorte à détecter et identifier la signature acoustique d'un arc électrique. Le concept de l'invention consiste donc à utiliser un ou plusieurs capteur(s) à ultrasons positionné au niveau d'un module photovoltaïque, puis à définir un traitement particulier des mesures effectuées par ce(s) capteur(s) pour identifier avec précision l'existence ou non d'un arc électrique au sein d'une installation photovoltaïque.The invention is based on the analysis of the ultrasonic signal emitted by an electric arc within the confined medium represented by a photovoltaic module and a field of photovoltaic modules, so as to detect and identify the acoustic signature of an electric arc. The concept of the invention therefore consists of using one or more ultrasonic sensors positioned at a photovoltaic module, then defining a particular treatment of the measurements made by this sensor (s) to identify precisely the existence or not of an electric arc within a photovoltaic installation.

La figure 1 représente schématiquement un dispositif photovoltaïque selon un mode d'exécution de l'invention. Ce dispositif comprend deux modules photovoltaïques 2 montés sur un châssis 3, et reliés au réseau électrique traditionnel 5 par l'intermédiaire d'un onduleur 4. Selon l'invention, ce dispositif comprend un capteur à ultrasons 6 positionné au niveau d'un module photovoltaïque 2, relié par une liaison de communication 7 à une unité de traitement du signal 8 apte à analyser les données transmises par le capteur 6. Cette unité de traitement 8 est elle-même reliée par un moyen de communication 9 à un dispositif de sécurité 10 dont la fonction est d'ouvrir le circuit électrique sur demande de l'unité de traitement 8 en cas d'arc électrique. Ces différents composants du dispositif photovoltaïque sont alimentés en énergie directement par les modules photovoltaïques.The figure 1 schematically represents a photovoltaic device according to an embodiment of the invention. This device comprises two photovoltaic modules 2 mounted on a chassis 3, and connected to the traditional electrical network 5 via an inverter 4. According to the invention, this device comprises an ultrasonic sensor 6 positioned at a module photovoltaic 2, connected by a communication link 7 to a signal processing unit 8 able to analyze the data transmitted by the sensor 6. This processing unit 8 is itself connected by a communication means 9 to a security device 10 whose function is to open the electrical circuit at the request of the processing unit 8 in the event of an electric arc. These different components of the photovoltaic device are supplied with energy directly by the photovoltaic modules.

Selon le mode d'exécution de l'invention, le capteur à ultrasons 6 est positionné de manière optimale pour capter les ondes acoustiques du dispositif photovoltaïque. Il peut par exemple se trouver sur le cadre ou sur le verre, dans la boîte de raccordement du module. En variante, il peut aussi être placé sur le châssis 3 supportant les modules 2.According to the embodiment of the invention, the ultrasonic sensor 6 is optimally positioned to capture the acoustic waves of the photovoltaic device. It can for example be on the frame or on the glass, in the junction box of the module. Alternatively, it can also be placed on the frame 3 supporting the modules 2.

L'unité de traitement 8 a pour fonction d'analyser les données reçues par le capteur à ultrasons 6 et met en oeuvre par des moyens matériel et/ou logiciel, de manière analogique ou numérique, un procédé de détection d'arcs électriques, qui sera détaillé ci-dessous. Ce procédé permet de reconnaître parmi les nombreuses données transmises par le capteur, celles qui correspondent spécifiquement au bruit émis par un arc électrique, en reconnaissant la signature acoustique particulière d'un tel arc électrique. Selon des réalisations possibles, cette unité de traitement 8 peut comprendre plusieurs entrées et sorties, notamment une sortie vers l'onduleur 4, et/ou vers un autre organe de gestion du dispositif photovoltaïque ou de gestion de l'énergie. Elle peut aussi comprendre une unité de calcul, comme un microcontrôleur, et des moyens de mémorisation, pour stocker les données prédéfinies correspondant à un arc électrique.The processing unit 8 has the function of analyzing the data received by the ultrasonic sensor 6 and implements, by means of hardware and / or software, analogically or numerically, an electric arc detection method, which will be detailed below. This method makes it possible to recognize among the many data transmitted by the sensor, those that specifically correspond to the noise emitted by an electric arc, by recognizing the particular acoustic signature of such an electric arc. According to possible embodiments, this processing unit 8 may comprise several inputs and outputs, in particular an output to the inverter 4, and / or to another device for managing the photovoltaic device or energy management. It may also include a computing unit, such as a microcontroller, and storage means, for storing the predefined data corresponding to an electric arc.

Le procédé de détection d'arc électrique selon l'invention va maintenant être détaillé.
D'abord, selon une étape préliminaire E0, le procédé ne se met en mode de fonctionnement, c'est-à-dire d'écoute des ultrasons, qu'à partir du moment où le dispositif photovoltaïque dépasse un certain seuil de production, par exemple au moins 10% de sa puissance nominale. En-dessous de ce seuil, le risque d'arc électrique n'existe pas et ne nécessite pas de surveillance.
The method of electric arc detection according to the invention will now be detailed.
Firstly, according to a preliminary step E0, the method only goes into operating mode, that is to say of listening to ultrasound, that from the moment when the photovoltaic device exceeds a certain threshold of production, for example at least 10% of its nominal power. Below this threshold, the risk of arcing does not exist and does not require monitoring.

L'étape essentielle de détection de la signature acoustique de l'arc électrique consiste à comparer les données reçues par le capteur 6 avec la signature acoustique enregistrée d'un arc électrique, représentée en figure 2. Selon l'invention, l'onde correspondant à cette signature acoustique est caractérisée par quelques paramètres particuliers, ces paramètres pouvant prendre des valeurs positionnées dans des plages prédéfinies. Ces paramètres sont :

  • l'amplitude du signal, qui est supérieure ou égale à 40 dB ; ce paramètre permet par exemple la mise en oeuvre d'une étape consistant à ne pas prendre en compte tous les bruits d'amplitude inférieure ;
  • la durée du signal, qui est comprise entre 15 et 25 µs ;
  • la fréquence centrale du signal, qui est comprise entre 200 et 360 kHz ;
  • la tension efficace du signal, qui augmente, en général de 11 dBEA jusqu'à environ 25 dBEA. Ce paramètre est secondaire par rapport aux trois précédents et pourra être utilisé en combinaison avec un ou plusieurs des trois paramètres précédents.
The essential step of detecting the acoustic signature of the electric arc consists in comparing the data received by the sensor 6 with the recorded acoustic signature of an electric arc, represented in FIG. figure 2 . According to the invention, the wave corresponding to this acoustic signature is characterized by a few particular parameters, these parameters that can take values positioned in predefined ranges. These parameters are:
  • the signal amplitude, which is greater than or equal to 40 dB; this parameter allows for example the implementation of a step of not taking into account all the noise of lower amplitude;
  • the duration of the signal, which is between 15 and 25 μs;
  • the center frequency of the signal, which is between 200 and 360 kHz;
  • the effective signal voltage, which increases, generally from 11 dB EA to about 25 dB EA . This parameter is secondary to the previous three and can be used in combination with one or more of the previous three parameters.

Ainsi, le procédé de détection selon l'invention consiste à mesurer tout ou partie de ces paramètres, pour vérifier s'ils se trouvent dans des plages de valeur prédéfinies et mémorisées qui correspondent aux valeurs d'un arc électrique.Thus, the detection method according to the invention consists in measuring all or part of these parameters, to check whether they are in predefined and stored value ranges which correspond to the values of an electric arc.

Le choix des paramètres à utiliser parmi les trois principaux listés précédemment représente un compromis entre la précision souhaitée pour la reconnaissance des arcs électriques et le temps de calcul recherché. Si tous les paramètres sont considérés, la détection des arcs électriques pourra atteindre un taux d'erreur presque nul, la mise en oeuvre du calcul sera toutefois légèrement plus long, ce qui retardera l'intervention sur le circuit. De même, le choix des plages de valeur prédéfinies pour chacun de ces paramètres représente aussi un compromis entre la recherche de la détection d'un maximum d'arcs électriques tout en éliminant un maximum de situations provenant d'un autre événement, afin d'éviter l'ouverture du circuit alors qu'il n'y a pas d'arc électrique.The choice of parameters to be used among the three principals listed above represents a compromise between the desired accuracy for the recognition of electric arcs and the desired calculation time. If all the parameters are considered, the detection of electric arcs can reach a near zero error rate, the implementation of the calculation will however slightly longer, which will delay the intervention on the circuit. Likewise, the choice of the predefined value ranges for each of these parameters also represents a compromise between the search for the detection of a maximum of electric arcs while eliminating a maximum of situations coming from a another event, to avoid opening the circuit when there is no electric arc.

Le procédé de détection mis en oeuvre permet ainsi de reconnaître un arc électrique, avec un taux d'erreur choisi, parmi de nombreux autres événements possibles entraînant aussi la formation d'ondes acoustiques. Cette problématique est très particulière pour une installation photovoltaïque du fait de son environnement extérieur qui génère de nombreux bruits, mais aussi du fait de sa structure qui repose sur le positionnement de ses circuits électriques dans des milieux confinés, dans des matériaux spécifiques, généralement en verre. A titre d'exemple, la dilatation thermique d'un module photovoltaïque génère des bruits sous forme de craquements, qui sont aussi mesurés par le capteur à ultrasons et transmis à l'unité de traitement. La figure 3 illustre l'onde mesurée lors d'un tel événement. La durée de la salve est en général supérieure à 25 µs. De plus, la valeur de la tension efficace du signal enregistré reste constante, n'augmente pas comme dans le cas d'un arc électrique. Les autres bruits principaux rencontrés au niveau d'un module photovoltaïque proviennent de la pluie, qui génère un bruit continu éloigné de l'arc électrique, à l'exception des premières gouttes qui peuvent générer un choc thermique et des phénomènes de dilatation comme mentionnés ci-dessus, du vent qui génère un bruit de fond de faible amplitude, de la grêle qui génère des ondes acoustiques de faible énergie et de fréquence différente de celle d'un arc électrique, des vibrations extérieures, comme suite à un séisme par exemple, de fréquence beaucoup plus basse que celle d'un arc électrique.The detection method used thus makes it possible to recognize an electric arc, with a chosen error rate, among many other possible events also leading to the formation of acoustic waves. This problem is very particular for a photovoltaic installation because of its external environment which generates many noises, but also because of its structure which is based on the positioning of its electrical circuits in confined environments, in specific materials, generally in glass . By way of example, the thermal expansion of a photovoltaic module generates noises in the form of cracks, which are also measured by the ultrasonic sensor and transmitted to the processing unit. The figure 3 illustrates the wave measured during such an event. The duration of the burst is generally greater than 25 μs. In addition, the value of the rms voltage of the recorded signal remains constant, does not increase as in the case of an electric arc. The other main noise encountered in a photovoltaic module comes from the rain, which generates a continuous noise far from the electric arc, with the exception of the first drops that can generate a thermal shock and expansion phenomena as mentioned above. above, the wind that generates a low amplitude background noise, hail that generates acoustic waves of low energy and frequency different from that of an electric arc, external vibrations, such as following an earthquake, Frequency much lower than that of an electric arc.

Ainsi, le procédé de détection d'un arc électrique selon l'invention va comprendre les deux étapes essentielles suivantes :

  • E1 - Mesure d'au moins un paramètre d'un signal acoustique reçu par le capteur parmi l'amplitude, la durée de l'onde, la fréquence centrale ;
  • E2 - Comparaison de la mesure de ce au moins un paramètre avec des valeurs mémorisées pour déterminer si la mesure correspond à celle d'un arc électrique.
Thus, the method of detecting an electric arc according to the invention will comprise the following two essential steps:
  • E1 - Measurement of at least one parameter of an acoustic signal received by the sensor among the amplitude, the duration of the wave, the central frequency;
  • E2 - Comparison of the measurement of this at least one parameter with stored values to determine if the measurement corresponds to that of an electric arc.

La seconde étape E2 comprend plus précisément les vérifications suivantes, qui permettront de considérer que le signal reçu correspond bien à un arc électrique :

  • E21 - vérification si l'amplitude est supérieure ou égale à 40 dB ; et/ou
  • E22 - vérification si la durée du signal est comprise entre 15 et 25 µs ; et/ou
  • E23 - vérification si la fréquence centrale est comprise entre 200 et 360 kHz.
The second step E2 more precisely comprises the following verifications, which will make it possible to consider that the signal received corresponds to an electric arc:
  • E21 - checking whether the amplitude is greater than or equal to 40 dB; and or
  • E22 - check if the signal duration is between 15 and 25 μs; and or
  • E23 - check whether the center frequency is between 200 and 360 kHz.

Elle peut comprendre en outre l'étape supplémentaire suivante :

  • E24 - vérification si la tension efficace du signal électrique enregistrée augmente. Avantageusement, il pourra être vérifié si elle augmente d'une première valeur proche de 11 dBEA, plus généralement comprise entre 5 et 15 dBEA, vers une seconde valeur proche de 25 dBEA, plus généralement comprise entre 15 et 25 dBEA.
It may further include the following additional step:
  • E24 - check whether the rms voltage of the recorded electrical signal increases. Advantageously, it can be checked whether it increases by a first value close to 11 dB EA , more generally between 5 and 15 dB EA , to a second value close to 25 dB EA , more generally between 15 and 25 dB EA .

Enfin, le dispositif de sécurité 10 peut être soit disposé sur une des bornes à la sortie du champ photovoltaïque, soit comprendre un dispositif pour chaque module photovoltaïque, par exemple dans sa boîte de raccordement. Après détection d'un arc électrique, l'unité de traitement 8 transmet l'information et l'ordre d'ouverture du circuit électrique au dispositif de sécurité, ce qui permet de stopper la circulation électrique et d'arrêter l'arc électrique, en supprimant ainsi le risque que représenterait l'entretien de l'arc électrique, notamment le risque d'incendie. Ce dispositif de sécurité peut consister en un simple interrupteur commandé à distance.Finally, the safety device 10 may be either disposed on one of the terminals at the output of the photovoltaic field, or comprise a device for each photovoltaic module, for example in its junction box. After detection of an electric arc, the processing unit 8 transmits the information and the order of opening of the electrical circuit to the safety device, which makes it possible to stop the electrical circulation and to stop the electric arc, thus eliminating the risk that would represent the maintenance of the electric arc, including the risk of fire. This safety device may consist of a simple switch controlled remotely.

L'invention porte aussi sur le procédé de gestion sécurisée d'une installation photovoltaïque, qui met en oeuvre le procédé de détection d'arc électrique détaillé précédemment, puis l'étape E3 consistant à ouvrir le circuit électrique en cas de détection d'un arc électrique, afin d'éteindre l'arc électrique. Le procédé peut en outre mettre en oeuvre les étapes supplémentaires suivantes :

  • E4 - après ouverture du circuit électrique suite à la détection d'un arc électrique, remise en fonctionnement du dispositif photovoltaïque au moins une fois ;
  • E5 - s'il y a de nouveau la détection d'un arc électrique, arrêt du fonctionnement et transmission d'information de la défaillance de l'installation. Cette information peut être transmise à un opérateur par l'intermédiaire d'un voyant, ou de toute interface homme-machine appropriée.
The invention also relates to the method of secure management of a photovoltaic installation, which implements the electric arc detection method detailed above, and then step E3 of opening the electric circuit in case of detection of a electric arc, in order to extinguish the electric arc. The method may further implement the following additional steps:
  • E4 - after opening of the electric circuit following the detection of an electric arc, restarting the photovoltaic device at least once;
  • E5 - if there is again the detection of an electric arc, stop of operation and transmission of information of the failure of the installation. This information can be transmitted to an operator via a light, or any appropriate human-machine interface.

La figure 4 illustre un dispositif photovoltaïque selon une variante d'exécution, qui diffère du dispositif décrit précédemment par le fait qu'il comprend huit modules photovoltaïques 12 et quatre capteurs à ultrasons 16. La proportion de un capteur pour deux modules est conservée et avantageuse. Toutefois, toute autre proportion serait aussi envisageable sans sortir du concept de l'invention. Ces différents modules sont montés sur un substrat 13, et reliés électriquement au réseau 15 via un onduleur 14. En remarque, le concept de l'invention est aussi bien adapté à une installation photovoltaïque qui ne serait pas reliée au réseau 15, puisqu'elle repose sur des mesures locales au niveau même des modules photovoltaïques. Les capteurs à ultrasons 16 communiquent par des liaisons 17 avec une unité de traitement 18 qui elle-même communique par une liaison 19 avec un dispositif de sécurité 20. Ces derniers composants sont similaires à ceux décrits précédemment.The figure 4 illustrates a photovoltaic device according to an alternative embodiment, which differs from the device described above in that it comprises eight photovoltaic modules 12 and four ultrasonic sensors 16. The proportion of a sensor for two modules is retained and advantageous. However, any other proportion would also be possible without departing from the concept of the invention. These different modules are mounted on a substrate 13, and electrically connected to the network 15 via an inverter 14. In remark, the concept of the invention is also well suited to a photovoltaic installation that is not connected to the network 15, since it relies on local measurements at the module level PV. The ultrasonic sensors 16 communicate via links 17 with a processing unit 18 which itself communicates via a link 19 with a security device 20. These latter components are similar to those described above.

Ce dispositif fonctionne de manière similaire à celui décrit précédemment et met en oeuvre le procédé de détection d'arc électrique et de gestion sécurisée de l'installation photovoltaïque qui a été explicité précédemment. Selon une caractéristique intéressante, ce dispositif met en oeuvre une fonction supplémentaire de localisation d'un arc électrique, ce qui est avantageux pour améliorer les opérations de maintenance et d'intervention en cas de défaillance, notamment pour les installations très étendues. Une telle fonction peut ainsi permettre d'augmenter la rentabilité et le taux de disponibilité de l'installation, ce qui est important par exemple pour une centrale de production électrique.This device operates in a manner similar to that described above and implements the method of electric arc detection and secure management of the photovoltaic installation that has been explained previously. According to an interesting characteristic, this device implements an additional function of locating an electric arc, which is advantageous for improving the maintenance and intervention operations in the event of failure, in particular for very extensive installations. Such a function can thus make it possible to increase the profitability and the rate of availability of the installation, which is important for example for an electric power station.

Ainsi, ce dispositif met en oeuvre un procédé de gestion qui comprend l'étape supplémentaire E6 consistant à localiser la provenance de l'arc électrique dans l'installation. Cette étape est avantageusement réalisée à partir de la donnée de l'instant de réception par chaque capteur du signal d'arc électrique, qui dépend du temps de propagation de l'onde depuis son emplacement jusqu'au capteur et donne donc une indication sur sa provenance.Thus, this device implements a management method that includes the additional step E6 of locating the origin of the electric arc in the installation. This step is advantageously performed from the data of the moment of reception by each sensor of the electric arc signal, which depends on the propagation time of the wave from its location to the sensor and therefore gives an indication of its origin.

L'étape de localisation E6 pourrait donc se décomposer en sous-étapes suivantes :

  • E61 - mémorisation du temps t0 de réception de l'onde acoustique d'arc électrique du premier capteur 16 à la recevoir, qui sert de temps de référence pour les autres capteurs ;
  • E62 - mémorisation des temps ti de réception de l'onde acoustique pour chacun des autres capteurs i et classement de ces capteurs dans l'ordre de réception ;
  • E63 - détermination en fonction de l'ordre d'arrivée de l'onde acoustique sur chaque capteur 16 du module photovoltaïque 12 de la localisation de l'arc électrique.
The location step E6 could therefore be broken down into the following substeps:
  • E61 - storage of the time t0 for receiving the acoustic wave of the electric arc from the first sensor 16 to receive it, which serves as a reference time for the other sensors;
  • E62 - storage of the ti times of reception of the acoustic wave for each of the other sensors i and classification of these sensors in the order of reception;
  • E63 - determination according to the order of arrival of the acoustic wave on each sensor 16 of the photovoltaic module 12 of the location of the electric arc.

La figure 5 représente un exemple de mise en oeuvre de cette méthode. Les différents modules photovoltaïques de l'installation, qui correspond à celle de la figure 4, ont été référencés de 12a à 12h et les différents capteurs de 16a à 16d. Supposons que le premier capteur recevant l'onde acoustique d'arc électrique soit le capteur référencé 16a, puis que l'onde atteigne dans l'ordre les capteurs 16b, 16c, 16d. Alors l'arc électrique se situe obligatoirement sur le module photovoltaïque 12c.The figure 5 represents an example of implementation of this method. The different photovoltaic modules of the installation, which correspond to that of the figure 4 , have been referenced from 12a to 12h and the various sensors from 16a to 16d. Suppose that the first sensor receiving the acoustic electric arc wave is the referenced sensor 16a, then that the wave reaches in order the sensors 16b, 16c, 16d. Then the electric arc is necessarily on the photovoltaic module 12c.

La méthode de localisation a été donnée à titre d'illustration de l'invention. D'autres procédés sont possibles, tenant compte par exemple des distances exactes entre les différents modules et les capteurs, afin de retrouver en fonction des temps de propagation des signaux leur distance de provenance de chaque capteur, puis leur localisation exacte.The locating method has been given by way of illustration of the invention. Other methods are possible, taking into account, for example, the exact distances between the different modules and the sensors, in order to find, as a function of the propagation times of the signals, their distance of origin from each sensor, then their exact location.

Ensuite, le dispositif pourra mettre en oeuvre une dernière étape E7 de transmission de l'information de localisation, au responsable de l'installation par une interface homme-machine directement positionnée au niveau de l'unité de traitement 18 par exemple, ou par tout autre moyen de communication, par l'intermédiaire de l'onduleur 14 ou d'une centrale de gestion de l'énergie.Then, the device may implement a last step E7 of transmitting the location information to the person in charge of the installation by a human-machine interface directly positioned at the level of the processing unit 18 for example, or by any other means. other means of communication, via the inverter 14 or a power management unit.

Naturellement, le concept de l'invention ne se limite pas aux dispositifs photovoltaïques décrits ci-dessus mais peut être mis en oeuvre dans toute sorte d'installation photovoltaïque, avec de nombreux modules photovoltaïques et d'autres taux de capteurs à ultrasons. Toutefois, l'utilisation d'au moins un capteur pour deux modules photovoltaïques est avantageuse.Naturally, the concept of the invention is not limited to the photovoltaic devices described above but can be implemented in any kind of photovoltaic installation, with many photovoltaic modules and other ultrasonic sensor rates. However, the use of at least one sensor for two photovoltaic modules is advantageous.

L'application de l'invention permet donc bien de répondre aux objets recherchés et présente en outre les avantages suivants :

  • comme l'émission d'ultrasons se propage très vite dans le verre (5000 m/s) et atteint le capteur à ultrasons en quelques millisecondes, le dispositif est apte à une coupure du circuit électrique très rapide ;
  • la détection des arcs électriques, même au sein des modules, permet ainsi d'éviter une destruction totale d'une installation photovoltaïque par incendie ;
  • le dispositif de l'invention fonctionne toujours de manière efficace, même s'il est positionné au voisinage de structures métalliques, sur des bâtiments en béton armé par exemple ;
  • cette solution est bien sûr compatible et complémentaire avec d'autres solutions de détection d'arc électrique en dehors des modules photovoltaïques, et peut donc être combinée avec ces autres solutions.
The application of the invention therefore makes it possible to respond to the desired objects and also has the following advantages:
  • as the ultrasound emission propagates very quickly in the glass (5000 m / s) and reaches the ultrasonic sensor in a few milliseconds, the device is able to cut the electrical circuit very fast;
  • the detection of electric arcs, even within the modules, thus makes it possible to avoid a total destruction of a photovoltaic installation by fire;
  • the device of the invention still works effectively, even if it is positioned in the vicinity of metal structures, on reinforced concrete buildings for example;
  • this solution is of course compatible and complementary with other arc detection solutions outside the photovoltaic modules, and can therefore be combined with these other solutions.

Claims (12)

  1. Method for detecting an electric arc in a photovoltaic device by ultrasound, characterized in that it comprises the following steps:
    - positioning an ultrasound sensor (6; 16) on a photovoltaic module (2; 12) or on a chassis (3; 13) supporting a plurality of photovoltaic modules (2; 12);
    - measuring (E1) at least one parameter among the amplitude of the signal, the duration of the signal and the central frequency of the signal, of a signal received by an ultrasound sensor (6; 16);
    - comparing (E2) the measurement of this at least one parameter of the signal with predefined values in order to determine whether the measurement corresponds to that of an electric arc,
    this comparison comprising the following check(s) for determining whether the signal is actually generated by an electric arc:
    - checking (E21) whether the amplitude of the received signal is greater than or equal to 40 dB;
    and/or
    - checking (E22) whether the duration of the received signal lies between 15 and 25 µs; and/or
    - checking (E23) whether the central frequency of the received signal lies between 200 and 360 kHz.
  2. Method for detecting an electric arc by ultrasound according to the preceding claim, characterized in that it furthermore comprises the following additional step for determining whether the signal is actually generated by an electric arc:
    - checking (E24) whether the rms voltage of the recorded signal increases from a first value of between 5 and 15 dBEA to a second value of between 15 and 25 dBEA.
  3. Method for safeguarded management of a photovoltaic device, characterized in that it comprises a method for detecting an electric arc by ultrasound according to either of the preceding claims, then in that it comprises a step (E3) consisting in opening the electrical circuit of the photovoltaic device in the event that an electric arc is detected, in order to extinguish the electric arc.
  4. Method for safeguarded management of a photovoltaic device according to the preceding claim, characterized in that it implements the following additional steps:
    - after opening the electrical circuit following the detection of an electric arc, putting the photovoltaic device back into operation at least once (E4);
    - if an electric arc is detected again, stopping operation of the photovoltaic device and transmitting information about the malfunction of the photovoltaic device (E5).
  5. Method for safeguarded management of a photovoltaic device according to either of Claims 3 and 4, characterized in that it comprises an additional step (E6) of locating the electric arc in the photovoltaic device.
  6. Method for safeguarded management of a photovoltaic device according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the step (E6) of locating the electric arc in the photovoltaic device comprises the following substeps:
    - storing the signal reception times (ti) for each of the sensors (16i) and ranking these sensors in order of reception (E61, E62);
    - determining the location of the electric arc as a function of the order of arrival of the signal at each sensor (16i) (E63).
  7. Method for safeguarded management of a photovoltaic device according to one of Claims 3 to 6, characterized in that it comprises a preliminary step (E0) of initiating the electric arc detection method only after the time when the photovoltaic device exceeds a certain electrical production threshold.
  8. Photovoltaic device comprising photovoltaic modules (2; 12) mounted on one or more chassis (3; 13), characterized in that it comprises at least one ultrasound sensor (6; 16) for the detection of electric arcs, positioned on a photovoltaic module (2; 12) or on a chassis (3; 13) supporting a plurality of photovoltaic modules (2; 12), and in that it comprises a processing unit (8; 18) carrying out the electric arc detection method according to either of Claims 1 and 2.
  9. Photovoltaic device according to the preceding claim, characterized in that it comprises at least one ultrasound sensor (6; 16) per two photovoltaic modules (2; 12).
  10. Photovoltaic device according to Claim 8 or 9, characterized in that it comprises a photovoltaic module comprising an ultrasound sensor (6; 16) for the detection of electric arcs, which is positioned on the frame or on the glass of the photovoltaic module, and a means of communication from this ultrasound sensor to a processing unit (8; 18).
  11. Photovoltaic device according to one of Claims 8 to 10, characterized in that it comprises a safety device (10; 20), the function of which is to open the electrical circuit in the event that an electric arc is detected, the photovoltaic device carrying out the safeguarded management method according to one of Claims 3 to 7.
  12. Photovoltaic device according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the safety device (10; 20) is positioned on an output terminal of the array of photovoltaic modules (2; 12) of the photovoltaic device or directly at all or some of the photovoltaic modules (2; 12).
EP09793551.4A 2008-12-22 2009-12-21 Method for detecting an electric arc in photovoltaic equipment Active EP2368128B1 (en)

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FR0807432A FR2940459B1 (en) 2008-12-22 2008-12-22 METHOD FOR DETECTING ELECTRIC ARC IN A PHOTOVOLTAIC INSTALLATION
PCT/EP2009/067650 WO2010072717A1 (en) 2008-12-22 2009-12-21 Method for detecting an electric arc in photovoltaic equipment

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JP2012513738A (en) 2012-06-14
KR20110097882A (en) 2011-08-31
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US9389272B2 (en) 2016-07-12
BRPI0923390A2 (en) 2018-10-09
IL213483A0 (en) 2011-07-31
AU2009331596A8 (en) 2011-07-21
WO2010072717A1 (en) 2010-07-01
CA2746866A1 (en) 2010-07-01
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FR2940459A1 (en) 2010-06-25
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